Substituted 4-hydroxypyrimidine-5-carboxamides

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to substituted 4-hydroxypyrimidine-5-carboxamides useful as HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors to treat anemia and like conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The insufficient delivery of oxygen to cells and tissues is associated with anemia, which is defined as a deficiency in the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, and ischemia, in which restrictions in blood supply are caused by a constriction or blockage of blood vessels. Anemia can be caused by the loss of red blood cells (hemorrhage), excessive red blood cell destruction (hernolysis) or deficiencies in erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells from precursors found in the bone marrow). The symptoms of anemia can include weakness, dizziness, fatigue, pallor, impairment of cognitive function and a general reduction in quality of life. Chronic and/or severe anemia can lead to the exacerbation of myocardial, cerebral or peripheral ischemia and to heart failure. Ischemia is defined as an absolute or relative shortage of oxygen to a tissue or organ and can result from disorders such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, thromboembolisms, hypotension, etc. The heart, brain and kidney are especially sensitive to ischemic stress caused by low blood supply.

The primary pharmacological treatment for anemia is administration of some variant of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO). For anemias associated with kidney disease, chemotherapy-induced anemia, anemia from HIV-therapy or anemia due to blood loss, recombinant EPO is administered to enhance the supply of the hormone, correct the shortage of red blood cells and increase the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. EPO replacement is not always sufficient to stimulate optimal erythropoiesis (e.g., in patients with iron processing deficiencies) and has associated risks.

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) has been identified as a primary regulator of the cellular response to low oxygen. HIF is a heterodimeric gene transcription factor consisting of a highly regulated α-subunit (HIF-α) and a constitutively expressed β-subunit (HIF-β, also known as ARNT, or aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear transporter). HIF target genes are reported to be associated with various aspects of erythropoiesis (e.g., erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO receptor), glycolysis and angiogenesis (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)). Genes for proteins involved in iron absorption, transport and utilization as well as heme synthesis are also targets of HIF.

Under normal oxygenation, HIF-α is a substrate in a reaction with molecular oxygen, which is catalyzed by a family of iron(II)-, 2-ketoglutarate- and ascorbate-dependent dioxygenase enzymes called PHD-1 (EGLN2, or egg laying abnormal 9 homolog 2, PHD2 (EGLN1), and PHD3 (EGLN3). Proline residues of HIF-α are hydroxylated (e.g., Pro-402 and Pro-564 of HIF-1α) and the resulting product is a target of the tumor suppressor protein von-Hippel Lindau, a component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase multiprotein complex involved in protein ubiquitination. Under low oxygenation, the HIF-α hydroxylation reaction is less efficient and HIF-α is available to dimerize with HIF-β. HIF dimers are translocated to the cell nucleus where they bind to a hypoxia-responsive enhancer element of HIF target genes.

Cellular levels of HIF are known to increase under conditions of hypoxia and after exposure to hypoxia mimetic agents. The latter includes, but is not limited to, specific metal ions (e.g., cobalt, nickel, manganese), iron chelators (e.g., desferrioxamine) and analogs of 2-ketoglurate (e.g., N-oxalyl glycine). The compounds of the present invention inhibit the REF prolyl hydroxylases (PHD-1, PHD-2, PHD-3) and can also serve to modulate HIF levels. These compounds therefore have utility for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders or conditions where HIF modulation is desirable, such as anemia and ischemia. As an alternative to recombinant erythropoietin therapy, the compounds of the present invention provide a simpler and broader method for the management of anemia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns compounds of formula I

which inhibit HIF prolyl hydroxylase, their use for enhancing endogenous production of erythropoietin, and for treating conditions associated with reduced endogenous production of erythropoietin such as anemia and like conditions, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such a compound and a pharmaceutical carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a stereoisomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer thereof:

-   R¹ is selected from —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, —C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl,     and —C₁₋₆ alkoxy, wherein in R¹ said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and     alkoxy are each optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 R⁸     substituents; -   R² and R³ are each independently selected from hydrogen, and —C₁₋₁₀     alkyl optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected     from halo, hydroxyl, and —OC₁₋₁₀ alkyl; -   V, W, X, Y, and Z are each independently selected from N and CH,     wherein V, W, X, Y or Z is substituted with one or two nitrogens,     and at least one of V or W must be N; and -   R⁸ is selected from halogen, hydroxyl, —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀ alkenyl,     —C₁₋₁₀ alkynyl, cyano, oxo, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, and     2,2,2-trifluorethoxy.

An illustrative but nonlimiting example of compounds of the invention are 4-Hydroxy-N-{1-[6-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]-1-methylethyl}-2-pyridazin-3-ylpyrimidine-5-carboxamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, R¹ is selected from —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —C₂₋₄₀ alkenyl, and —C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, wherein in R¹ said alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl, are each optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 R⁸ substituents.

In another embodiment of the invention, R¹ is selected from —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl and —C₁₋₆ alkoxy, said alkyl, and alkoxy are each optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 R⁸ substituents.

In another embodiment of the invention, R¹ is selected from —C₁₋₆ alkoxy optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 R⁸ substituents. In a variant of this embodiment R¹ is methoxy.

In one embodiment of the invention, R² and R³ are each independently C₁₋₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from halo, hydroxyl, and —OC₁₋₁₀ alkyl.

In a variant of this embodiment, R² and R³ are each independently C₁₋₁₀ alkyl. In another variant, R² and R³ are each methyl.

In one embodiment of the invention, W is N and V, X, Y, and Z are each CH. In one embodiment, W and X are N. In another embodiment of the invention, W and Y are N. In yet another embodiment of the invention, W and Z are N.

In one embodiment of the invention, V is N and W, X, Y, and Z are each CH. In another embodiment of the invention, V and Z are N. In another embodiment of the invention, V and Y are N. In yet another embodiment of the invention, W and X are N.

In another embodiment of the invention, W and V are N and X, Y, and Z are each CH.

The compounds of this invention, particularly Example 1, where R¹ is methoxy, R²═R³ is methyl, W═X═N and V, Y and Z are each CH or V═Z═N and W, X and Y are each CH provides for an unexpectedly more desirable pharmacokinetic and off target activity profile relative to Example 187 disclosed in International PCT application PCT/US09/036,501, filed Mar. 9, 2009.

As used herein except where noted, “alkyl” is intended to include both branched- and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, including all isomers, having the specified number of carbon atoms. Commonly used abbreviations for alkyl groups are used throughout the specification, e.g. methyl may be represented by “Me” or CH₃, ethyl may be represented by “Et” or CH₂CH₃, propyl may be represented by “Pr” or CH₂CH₂CH₃, butyl may be represented by “Bu” or CH₂C₁₋₁₂CH₂C₁₋₁₃, etc. “C₁₋₆ alkyl” (or “C₁-C₆ alkyl”) for example, means linear or branched chain alkyl groups, including all isomers, having the specified number of carbon atoms. C₁₋₆ alkyl includes all of the hexyl alkyl and pentyl alkyl isomers as well as n-, iso-, sec- and t-butyl, n- and isopropyl, ethyl and methyl. “C₁₋₄ alkyl” means n-, iso-, sec- and t-butyl, n- and isopropyl, ethyl and methyl. The term “alkylene” refers to both branched- and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, including all isomers, having the specified number of carbons, and having two terminal end chain attachments. For illustration, the term “unsubstituted A-C₄alkylene-B” represents A-CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—B. The term “alkoxy” represents a linear or branched alkyl group of indicated number of carbon atoms attached through an oxygen bridge.

The term “halogen” (or “halo”) refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine (alternatively referred to as fluoro (F), chloro (Cl), bromo (Br), and iodo (I)).

When any variable occurs more than one time in any constituent or in any formula depicting and describing compounds of the invention, its definition on each occurrence is independent of its definition at every other occurrence. Also, combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds.

The term “substituted” (e.g., as in “aryl which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents . . . ”) includes mono- and poly-substitution by a named substituent to the extent such single and multiple substitution (including multiple substitution at the same site) is chemically allowed.

The term “oxy” means an oxygen (O) atom. The term “thio” means a sulfur (S) atom. The term “oxo” means “═O”. The term “carbonyl” means “C═O.”

Under standard nomenclature used throughout this disclosure, the terminal portion of the designated side chain is described first, followed by the adjacent functionality toward the point of attachment. For example, a C₁₋₅ alkylcarbonylamino C₁₋₆ alkyl substituent is equivalent to

In choosing compounds of the present invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various substituents, i.e. R¹, R², R³, etc., are to be chosen in conformity with well-known principles of chemical structure connectivity.

Lines drawn into the ring systems from substituents indicate that the indicated bond can be attached to any of the substitutable ring atoms. If the ring system is polycyclic, it is intended that the bond be attached to any of the suitable carbon atoms on the proximal ring only.

It is understood that substituents and substitution patterns on the compounds of the instant invention can be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art to provide compounds that are chemically stable and that can be readily synthesized by techniques known in the art, as well as those methods set forth below, from readily available starting materials. If a substituent is itself substituted with more than one group, it is understood that these multiple groups can be on the same carbon or on different carbons, so long as a stable structure results. The phrase “optionally substituted with one or more substituents” should be taken to be equivalent to the phrase “optionally substituted with at least one substituent” and in such cases one embodiment will have from zero to three substituents.

Structural representations of compounds having substituents terminating with a methyl group may display the terminal methyl group either using the characters “CH₃”, e.g. “—CH₃” or using a straight line representing the presence of the methyl group, e.g., “—”, i.e.,

have equivalent meanings.

For variable definitions containing terms having repeated terms, e.g., (CRiRi)_(r), where r is the integer 2, R^(i) is a defined variable, and R^(j) is a defined variable, the value of R^(i) may differ in each instance in which it occurs, and the value of R^(j) may differ in each instance in which it occurs. For example, if R^(i) and R^(j) are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl, then (CR^(i)R^(j))₂ can be

Optical Isomers—Diastereomers—Geometric Isomers—Tautomers

Compounds described herein may contain an asymmetric center and may thus exist as enantiomers. Where the compounds according to the invention possess two or more asymmetric centers, they may additionally exist as diastereomers. The present invention includes all such possible stereoisomers as substantially pure resolved enantiomers, racemic mixtures thereof, as well as mixtures of diastereomers. The above Formula I is shown without a definitive stereochemistry at certain positions. The present invention includes all stereoisomers of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, reference to one isomer applies to any of the possible isomers. Whenever the isomeric composition is unspecified, all possible isomers are included. Diastereoisomeric pairs of enantiomers may be separated by, for example, fractional crystallization from a suitable solvent, and the pair of enantiomers thus obtained may be separated into individual stereoisomers by conventional means, for example by the use of an optically active acid or base as a resolving agent or on a chiral HPLC column. Further, any enantiomer or diastereomer of a compound of the general Formula I may be obtained by stereospecific synthesis using optically pure starting materials or reagents of known configuration.

When compounds described herein contain olefinic double bonds, unless specified otherwise, such double bonds are meant to include both E and Z geometric isomers.

Some of the compounds described herein may exist with different points of attachment of hydrogen, referred to as tautomers. For example, compounds including carbonyl —CH₂C(O)— groups (keto forms) may undergo tautomerism to form hydroxyl —CH═C(OH)— groups (enol forms). Both keto and enol forms, individually as well as mixtures thereof, are included within the scope of the present invention.

Salts

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include both the metallic (inorganic) salts and organic salts; a list of which is given in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th Edition, pg. 1418 (1985). It is well known to one skilled in the art that an appropriate salt form is chosen based on physical and chemical stability, flowability, hydro-scopicity and solubility. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to salts prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic bases or acids. When the compound of the present invention is acidic, its corresponding salt can be conveniently prepared from inorganic bases or organic bases. Salts derived from such inorganic bases include aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper (ic and ous), ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganese (ic and ous), potassium, sodium, zinc and the like salts. Preferred are the ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium salts. Salts prepared from organic bases include salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines derived from both naturally occurring and synthetic sources. Pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases from which salts can be formed include, for example, arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, dicyclohexylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyamine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tromethamine and the like.

When the compound of the present invention is basic, its corresponding salt can be conveniently prepared from inorganic or organic acids. Such acids include, for example, acetic, benzenesulfonic, benzoic, camphorsulfonic, citric, ethanesulfonic, fumaric, gluconic, glutamic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, isethionic, lactic, maleic, malic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, mucic, nitric, pamoic, pantothenic, phosphoric, succinic, sulfuric, tartaric, p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like. Preferred are citric, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, maleic, phosphoric, sulfuric, and tartaric acids.

Solvates

The present invention includes within its scope solvates of compounds of Formula I. As used herein, the term “solvate” refers to a complex of variable stoichiometry formed by a solute (i.e., a compound of Formula I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a solvent that does not interfere with the biological activity of the solute. Examples of solvents include, but are not limited to water, ethanol, and acetic acid. When the solvent is water, the solvate is known as hydrate; hydrate includes, but is not limited to, hemi-, mono, sesqui-, di- and trihydrates.

Prodrugs

The present invention includes within its scope the use of prodrugs of the compounds of this invention. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds of this invention which are readily convertible in vivo into the required compound. Thus, in the methods of treatment of the present invention, the term “administering” shall encompass the treatment of the various conditions described with a compound of formula I or with a compound which may not be a compound of formula I, but which converts to a compound of formula I in vivo after administration to the patient. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in “Design of Prodrugs,” ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

Utilities

Compounds of the present invention are inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylases, and as such are useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions in which HEE modulation is desirable, such as anemia and ischemia. Compounds of the invention can be used in a selective and controlled manner to induce hypoxia-inducible factor stabilization and to rapidly and reversibly stimulate erythropoietin production and secretion. Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing a disease or condition in a mammal, the treatment or prevention of which is effected or facilitated by HIP prolyl hydroxylase inhibition, which comprises administering an amount of a compound of Formula I that is effective for inhibiting HIF prolyl hydroxylase. This aspect of the present invention further includes the use of a compound of Formula I in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition modulated by HIF prolyl hydroxylase.

In one embodiment is a method of enhancing endogenous production of erythropoietin in a mammal which comprises administering to said mammal an amount of a compound of Formula I that is effective for enhancing endogenous production of erythropoietin.

Another embodiment is a method of treating anemia in a mammal which comprises administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I. “Anemia” includes, but is not limited to, chronic kidney disease anemia, chemotherapy-induced anemia (e.g., anemia resulting from antiviral drug regimens for infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C virus), anemia of chronic disease, anemia associated with cancer conditions, anemia resulting from radiation treatment for cancer, anemias of chronic immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus, and anemias due to menstruation or of senescence or in other individuals with iron processing deficiencies such as those who are iron-replete but unable to utilize iron properly.

Another embodiment is a method of treating ischemic diseases in a mammal, which comprises administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

Combination Therapy

Compounds of Formula I may be used in combination with other drugs that are used in the treatment/prevention/suppression or amelioration of the diseases or conditions for which compounds of Formula I are useful. Such other drugs may be administered, by a route and in an amount commonly used therefor, contemporaneously or sequentially with a compound of Formula I. When a compound of Formula I is used contemporaneously with one or more other drugs, a pharmaceutical composition containing such other drugs in addition to the compound of Formula I is preferred. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include those that also contain one or more other active ingredients, in addition to a compound of Formula I.

Route of Administration/Dosage

The compounds of this invention can be administered for the treatment or prevention of afflictions, diseases and illnesses according to the invention by any means that effects contact of the active ingredient compound with the site of action in the body of a warm-blooded animal. For example, administration can be oral, topical, including transdermal, ocular, buccal, intranasal, inhalation, intravaginal, rectal, intracisternal and parenteral. The term “parenteral” as used herein refers to modes of administration which include subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarticular injection or infusion, intrasternal and intraperitoneal. For the purpose of this disclosure, a warm-blooded animal is a member of the animal kingdom possessed of a homeostatic mechanism and includes mammals and birds.

The compounds can be administered by any conventional means available for use in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, either as individual therapeutic agents or in a combination of therapeutic agents. They can be administered alone, but are generally administered with a pharmaceutical carrier selected on the basis of the chosen route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice.

The dosage administered will be dependent on the age, health and weight of the recipient, the extent of disease, kind of concurrent treatment, if any, frequency of treatment and the nature of the effect desired. Usually, a daily dosage of active ingredient compound will be from about 0.1-2000 milligrams per day. Ordinarily, from 10 to 500 milligrams per day in one or more applications is effective to obtain desired results. These dosages are the effective amounts for the treatment and prevention of afflictions, diseases and illnesses described above, e.g., anemia.

Pharmaceutical Composition

Another aspect of the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions which comprises a compound of Formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The term “composition”, as in pharmaceutical composition, is intended to encompass a product comprising the active ingredient(s), and the inert ingredient(s) (pharmaceutically acceptable excipients) that make up the carrier, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination, complexation or aggregation of any two or more of the ingredients, or from dissociation of one or more of the ingredients, or from other types of reactions or interactions of one or more of the ingredients. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention encompass any composition made by admixing a compound of Formula I, additional active ingredient(s), and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise a compound represented by Formula I (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof) as an active ingredient, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and optionally other therapeutic ingredients or adjuvants. The compositions include compositions suitable for oral, rectal, topical, and parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous) administration, although the most suitable route in any given case will depend on the particular host, and nature and severity of the conditions for which the active ingredient is being administered. The pharmaceutical compositions may be conveniently presented in unit dosage form and prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy.

The active ingredient can be administered orally in solid dosage forms, such as capsules, tablets, troches, dragées, granules and powders, or in liquid dosage forms, such as elixirs, syrups, emulsions, dispersions, and suspensions. The active ingredient can also be administered parenterally, in sterile liquid dosage forms, such as dispersions, suspensions or solutions. Other dosages forms that can also be used to administer the active ingredient as an ointment, cream, drops, transdermal patch or powder for topical administration, as an ophthalmic solution or suspension formation, i.e., eye drops, for ocular administration, as an aerosol spray or powder composition for inhalation or intranasal administration, or as a cream, ointment, spray or suppository for rectal or vaginal administration.

Gelatin capsules contain the active ingredient and powdered carriers, such as lactose, starch, cellulose derivatives, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and the like. Similar diluents can be used to make compressed tablets. Both tablets and capsules can be manufactured as sustained release products to provide for continuous release of medication over a period of hours. Compressed tablets can be sugar coated or film coated to mask any unpleasant taste and protect the tablet from the atmosphere, or enteric coated for selective disintegration in the gastrointestinal tract.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration can contain coloring and flavoring to increase patient acceptance.

In general, water, a suitable oil, saline, aqueous dextrose (glucose), and related sugar solutions and glycols such as propylene glycol or polyethylene gycols are suitable carriers for parenteral solutions. Solutions for parenteral administration preferably contain a water soluble salt of the active ingredient, suitable stabilizing agents, and if necessary, buffer substances. Antioxidizing agents such as sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, or ascorbic acid, either alone or combined, are suitable stabilizing agents. Also used are citric acid and its salts and sodium EDTA. In addition, parenteral solutions can contain preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride, methyl- or propylparaben, and chlorobutanol.

Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, A. Osol, a standard reference text in this field.

For administration by inhalation, the compounds of the present invention may be conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or nebulisers. The compounds may also be delivered as powders which may be formulated and the powder composition may be inhaled with the aid of an insufflation powder inhaler device. The preferred delivery system for inhalation is a metered dose inhalation (MDI) aerosol, which may be formulated as a suspension or solution of a compound of Formula I in suitable propellants, such as fluorocarbons or hydrocarbons.

For ocular administration, an ophthalmic preparation may be formulated with an appropriate weight percent solution or suspension of the compounds of Formula I in an appropriate ophthalmic vehicle, such that the compound is maintained in contact with the ocular surface for a sufficient time period to allow the compound to penetrate the corneal and internal regions of the eye.

Useful pharmaceutical dosage-forms for administration of the compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, hard and soft gelatin capsules, tablets, parenteral injectables, and oral suspensions.

A large number of unit capsules are prepared by filling standard two-piece hard gelatin capsules each with 100 milligrams of powdered active ingredient, 150 milligrams of lactose, 50 milligrams of cellulose, and 6 milligrams magnesium stearate.

A mixture of active ingredient in a digestible oil such as soybean oil, cottonseed oil or olive oil is prepared and injected by means of a positive displacement pump into gelatin to form soft gelatin capsules containing 100 milligrams of the active ingredient. The capsules are washed and dried.

A large number of tablets are prepared by conventional procedures so that the dosage unit is 100 milligrams of active ingredient, 0.2 milligrams of colloidal silicon dioxide, 5 milligrams of magnesium stearate, 275 milligrams of microcrystalline cellulose, 11 milligrams of starch and 98.8 milligrams of lactose. Appropriate coatings may be applied to increase palatability or delay absorption.

A parenteral composition suitable for administration by injection is prepared by stirring 1.5% by weight of active ingredient in 10% by volume propylene glycol. The solution is made to volume with water for injection and sterilized.

An aqueous suspension is prepared for oral administration so that each 5 milliliters contain 100 milligrams of finely divided active ingredient, 100 milligrams of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 5 milligrams of sodium benzoate, 1.0 grams of sorbitol solution, U.S.P., and 0.025 milliliters of vanillin.

The same dosage forms can generally be used when the compounds of this invention are administered stepwise or in conjunction with another therapeutic agent. When drugs are administered in physical combination, the dosage form and administration route should be selected depending on the compatibility of the combined drugs. Thus the term coadministration is understood to include the administration of the two agents concomitantly or sequentially, or alternatively as a fixed dose combination of the two active components.

Compounds of the invention can be administered as the sole active ingredient or in combination with a second active ingredient, including other active ingredients known to be useful for improving the level of erythropoietin in a patient.

Abbreviations Used in the Description of the Preparation of the Compounds of the Present Invention:

-   AcOH Acetic acid -   aq Aqueous -   brine Saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution -   CDI 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole -   CO Carbon monoxide -   DCM Dichloromethane -   Dppf 1,1″-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene -   DBU 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene -   DMA N,N-diisopropylethylamine -   DMAP 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine -   DMF N,N-dimethylformamide -   DMSO Dimethyl sulfoxide -   EtOAc Ethyl acetate -   Et (et) Ethyl -   EtOH Ethanol -   Et₂O or ether Diethyl ether -   g Grams -   h or hr Hour -   HATH O-(7-Azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium     hexafluorophosphate -   HCl Hydrochloric acid -   HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography -   i-PrOH or IPA Isopropyl alcohol -   m-CPBA 3-chloroperbenzoic acid -   mg Milligrams -   mL Milliliters -   mmol Millimole -   MeCN Acetonitrile -   MeOH Methanol -   min Minutes -   ms or MS Mass spectrum -   MTBE Methyl tert-butyl ether -   μg Microgram(s) -   μL Microliters -   NaHSO₄ sodium bisulfate -   NaOEt Sodium ethoxide -   NaOMe Sodium methoxide -   Na₂SO₄ Sodium sulfate -   NH₄Cl Ammonium chloride -   NH₄OH Ammonium hydroxide -   PPTS Pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate -   R_(t) Retention time -   rt Room temperature -   TEA Triethylamine -   TFA Trifluoroacetic acid -   THF Tetrahydrofuran

General Methods

Reactions sensitive to moisture or air were performed under nitrogen using anhydrous solvents and reagents. The progress of reactions was determined by either analytical thin layer chromatography (TLC) performed with E. Merck precoated TLC plates, silica gel 60E-254, layer thickness 0.25 mm or liquid chromatography-mass spectrum (LC-MS). Analytical HPLC/MS—Standard Method: Mass analysis was performed on a Waters Micrornass® ZQ™ with electrospray ionization in positive ion detection mode. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was conducted on an Agilent 1100 series HPLC on Waters C18 XTerra 3.5 μm 3.0×50 mm column with gradient 10:90-100 v/v CH₃CN/H₂O+v 0.05% TFA over 3.75 min then hold at 100 CH₃CN+v 0.05% TFA for 1.75 min; flow rate 1.0 mL/min, UV wavelength 254 nm (all HPLC/MS data was generated with this method unless indicated otherwise). Analytical HPLC/MS—Basic Method: Mass analysis was performed on a Waters Micromas® ZQ™ with electrospray ionization in positive ion detection mode. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was conducted on an Agilent 1100 series HPLC on Waters C18 XBridge 3.5 μm 3.0×50 mm column with gradient 10:90-98:2 v/v CH₃CN/H₂O+v 0.025% NH₄OH over 3.25 min then hold at 98:2 CH₃CN+v 0.025% NH₄OH for 2.25 min; flow rate 1.0 mL/min, UV wavelength 254 nm. Concentration of solutions was carried out on a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure. Flash chromatography was performed using a Biotage Horizon or SP1 Flash Chromatography apparatus (Dyax Corp.) on silica gel (32-63 μM particle size, KP-Sil 60 Å packing material type) in pre-packed cartridges or using an ISCO CombiFlash™ Sq 16× or CombiFlash® Companion™ apparatus on silica gel (32-63 μM, 60 Å) in pre-packed cartridges. Microwave reactions were carried out on a Biotage Initiator™ 2.0 or CEM Discover™ system.

2-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-2,3-dihydropyridazine-3-carbonitrile. A solution of pyridazine (1.807 mL, 24.98 mmol), aluminum chloride (0.010 g, 0.075 mmol) and trimethylsilyl cyanide (6.03 mL, 45.0 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. for 20 min. A solution of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (8.19 g, 43.0 mmol) in DCM (60 mL) was added dropwise over 1 h. The reaction was warmed to room temperature, stirred for an additional 65 h and concentrated. The residue was treated with EtOH (50 mL) and the resulting solids were filtered to afford the title compound. HPLC/MS: 262.1 (M+1); R_(t)=2.51 min.

Pyridazine-3-carbonitrile. To the product of Intermediate I (4.98 g, 19.06 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added DBU (3.59 mL, 23.82 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. Saturated aq. NH₄Cl (50 mL) was added and the reaction was poured into water (50 mL). The aqueous medium was extracted with EtOAc, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel gradient eluted with 0-50% EtOAc/hexane to afford the title compound. HPLC/MS: 106.2 (M+1); R_(t)=0.38 min.

Amino(pyridazin-3-yl)methaniminium chloride. To the product of Intermediate 2 (1.7 g, 16.18 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was added sodium methoxide (0.370 mL, 1.618 mmol, 25 wt % in MeOH). The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight when ammonium chloride (0.952 g, 17.79 mmol) was added. The reaction was refluxed for 2.5 h, cooled to room temperature, diluted with MeOH and concentrated to afford the title compound. HPLC/MS: 123.1 (M+1); R_(t)=0.34 min.

4-Hydroxy-2-pyridazin-3-ylpyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid. To the product of Intermediate 3 (0.500 g, 3.15 mmol) in EtOH (8.0 mL) was added diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (0.637 mL, 3.15 mmol) and sodium methoxide (0.793 mL, 3.47 mmol, 25 wt % in MeOH). The reaction was heated in a microwave for 10 min at 120° C. Additional diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (0.319 mL, 1.576 mmol) was added and the reaction was heated in a microwave for 10 min at 120° C. Potassium hydroxide (4.73 mL, 9.46 mmol, 2.0 M) was added and the reaction was heated in a microwave for 10 min at 120° C. The reaction was diluted with water and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in a minimal volume of water and extracted with EtOAc. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH=2 using cone. aq. HCl and stirred for 15 min. The solids were filtered and rinsed with water and hexane to afford the title compound. HPLC/MS: 219.0 (M+1); R_(t)=0.28 min (Basic Method).

Example 1

4-Hydroxy-N-{1-[6-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]-1-methylethyl}-2-pyridazin-3-ylpyrimidine-5-carboxamide (E-1)

Step A: 2-(6-Chloropyridin-3-yl)propan-2-ol (1-A)

Ethyl 6-chloronicotinate (372 g, 200 mmol) (or an equivalent molar amount of methyl 6-chloronicotinate) was dissolved in THF (315 mL) and placed in an ice-water bath (Reactor A). A separate reaction vessel was placed in an ice-water bath and sequentially charged with THF (335 mL) and methylmagnesium chloride (200 mL, 601 mmol) (Reactor B). The contents of Reactor A were slowly added to Reactor B with stirring while maintaining a core temperature range of 15-25° C. Following the addition, the reaction mixture was re-cooled to 0° C. using an ice-water bath and treated with aq. 2.5 M HCl (240 mL, 600 mmol). The aqueous medium was partitioned with MTBE and the aqueous layer was re-extracted with MTBE. The combined organic layers were washed with saturated aq. NaCl, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with CH₃CN and concentrated. This was repeated once. The product was dried under high vacuum. HPLC/MS: 172.0 (M+1); R_(t)=1.71 min.

Step B: N-[1-(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-1-methylethyl]acetamide (1-B)

A solution of the product from Step A, 1-A, (33.42 g, 195 mmol) in CH₃CN (250 mL) was cooled to 0° C. using an ice-water bath. Sulfuric acid (72.7 mL, 1363 mmol) was slowly added and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to rt and was stirred between 48-72 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. using an ice-water bath, diluted with H₂O (100 mL) and subsequently treated slowly with aq. 29% NH₄OH (203 mL). The quenched mixture was extracted with MTBE and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with MTBE and the combined organic layers were concentrated under reduced pressure until a solid was present. The solids were treated with hexanes, collected by vacuum filtration and dried under high vacuum. HPLC/MS: 213.0 (M+1); R_(t)=1.71 min.

Step C: N-{1-[6-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]-1-methylethyl}acetamide (1-C)

The product from Step B, 1-B, (37.11 g, 174 mmol), 4-methoxyphenylboronic acid (47.7 g, 314 mmol) and bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride (6.12 g, 8.72 mmol) were suspended in DMA (325 mL) and aq. 2.0 M Na₂CO₃ (288 mL, 576 mmol). The atmosphere of the reaction vessel was evacuated/purged with N₂ (3×) and the reaction mixture was heated at 90° C. over 3 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to rt and partitioned between EtOAc and H₂O. The organic layer was separated, washed with H₂O, saturated aq. NaCl, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was suspended in CH₂Cl₂ and the solid were isolated by vacuum filtration and dried under high vacuum. Alternative work-up: The reaction mixture was cooled to rt and diluted with H₂O (1.85 L). The solids were collected by vacuum filtration rinsing with hexanes and dried under high vacuum. HPLC/MS: 285.0 (M+1); R_(t)=1.53 min.

Step D: 2-[6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]propan-2-amine benzenesulfonate (1-D)

The product of Step C, 1-C, (23.34 g, 82 mmol) was suspended in H₂O (66 mL) and cone. HCl (58.1 mL, 708 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 24 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to rt and partitioned with MTBE. The organic layer was discarded. The aqueous layer was treated with aq. 5.0 M NaOH (160 mL, 800 mmol) and extracted with EtOAc (2×˜700 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to about ¼ of the original volume. Benzenesulfonic acid (12.98 g, 82 mmol) was added as a solid and the mixture was agitated and allowed to stand at rt for 10 min. The solids were isolated by vacuum filtration, rinsed with hexanes and dried under high vacuum. HPLC/MS: 243.0 (M+1); R_(t)=1.49 min.

Step. E: 4-Hydroxy-N-{1-[6-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]-1-methylethyl}-2-pyridazin-3-ylpyrimidine-5-carboxamide (E-1)

To a solution of Intermediate 4 (4-hydroxy-2-pyridazin-3-ylpyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid) (12.12 g, 55.6 mmol) in NMP (97 mL) was added triethylamine (23.10 mL, 167 mmol) and CDI (9.01 g, 55.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 70° C. over 1 h. To the hot solution was added the product from Step D (26.7 g, 66.7 mmol) as a solid. The reaction mixture was aged at 70° C. over 1 h and subsequently cooled to rt. The reaction mixture was diluted with H₂O (300 mL) and transferred into a separatory funnel. The aqueous medium was washed with EtOAc (2×175 mL) (discard organic washes). The aqueous layer was separated and treated with 290 mL of pH=7 buffer solution (Fisher Scientific part number SB108-1) followed by aq. 6.0 M HCl (18.52 mL, 111 mmol). The resulting suspension was agitated and allowed to stand for about 20 min. The solids were isolated by vacuum filtration, rinsed with H₂O (3×) followed by EtOAc (3×) and dried under high vacuum. HPLC/MS: 443.1 (M+1); R_(t)=2.04 min. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ 9.49 (dd, =5.06, 1.60 Hz, 1H); 8.64 (d, J=2.11 Hz, 1H); 8.52 (dd, J=8.42, 1.72 Hz, 2H); 8.02-7.97 (m, 3H); 7.83-7.76 (m, 2H); 7.02 (d, J=8.70 Hz, 2H); 3.80 (s, 3H); 1.75 (s, 6H).

Comparative Examples

The pharmacokinetics and cytochrome P450 activity of Example 1 (E-1) were evaluated, and compared to that of Example 187 disclosed in International PCT application PCT/US09/036,501, filed Mar. 9, 2009. Compounds were formulated in a 1:1 solution (by volume) of PEG200: water and dosed at 0.5 mg/kg of body weight. The formulation was dosed intravenously in 2 dogs (beagles), and blood was drawn at the following time points (hours) 0.08, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24. The plasma concentrations shown in the table below were determined by protein precipitation followed by liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Example 187 Example 1 (E-1) PCT/US09/036501 Time (hours) mean concentration (μM) mean concentration (μM) 0.08 1.495 6.284 0.25 1.151 4.125 0.50 1.110 2.412 1.00 0.944 2.273 2.00 0.754 2.291 4.00 0.581 2.782 6.00 0.374 3.829 8.00 0.475 3.350 24.00 0.023 0.762 Cl (mL/min/kg) 2.49 0.342 MRT (h) 6.57 13.3 T ½ (h) 4.09 7.75

The example of the present invention in which R² and R³ are methyl and R¹ is methoxy shows the unexpected benefit of having a 7-fold faster intrinsic clearance with concomitant decrease in mean residence time (MRT) and half-life (t½) relative to the similar example (Example 187) of PCT/US09/036,501. Improvments in pharmacokinetic properties such as exhibiting a faster clearance benefits the safety profile of a compound by reducing the time it takes for the drug to be removed from circulation should a patient experience an adverse event.

The compounds of Example 1 and also Example 187 of PCT/US09/036,501 were tested for their activity at the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C8. Utilizing procedures similar to that described by Walasky et al. and the references therein, the following human IC₅₀ values were determined (Walsky, R. L.; Obach, R. S. Drug Metab. Dispos. 2004, 32, 647-660.)

Example 187 Cytochrome Example 1 (E-1) PCT/US09/036501 P450 enzyme human IC₅₀ (μM) human IC₅₀ (μM) CYP3A4 >50 0.79 CYP2C8 49.5 1.82

As is shown in the above table, the example of the present invention is exhibits an unexpectedly, improved selectivity for the inhibition PHD2 and its interaction with the HIP peptide and a lower activity in the inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2C8. As a result, the compound of the present invention in which R² and R³ are methyl and R¹ is methoxy unexpectedly shows improvements over Example 187 of PCT/US09/036,501 relating to minimization off target activity at the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C8. These improvements can diminish the potential for drug-drug interactions (a situation where the administration of one drug may alter the affects of another drug and cause an adverse event).

Biological Assays

The exemplified compound in Example 1 of the present invention has been found to inhibit the interaction between PHD2 and a HIF peptide and exhibit IC₅₀ values ranging between 0.1 nanomolar to 10 micromolar. Non-limiting examples of assays that may be useful to detect favorable activity are disclosed in the following publications: Oehme, F., et al., Anal. Biochem. 330:74-80 (2004); M, et al., J. Bio. Chem. 278 (33): 30772-30780 (2005); Hyunju, C., et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 330 (2005) 275-280; and Hewitson, K. S., et al., Methods in Enzymology, (Oxygen Biology and Hypoxia); Elsevier Publisher (2007), pg. 25-42 (ISSN: 0076-6879).

The biological activity of the present compound may be evaluated using assays described herein below:

To each well of a 96-well plate was added 1 μL of test compound in DMSO and 20 μl of assay buffer (50 mM Tris pH 7.4/0.01% Tween-20/0.1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin/10 μM ferrous sulfate/1 mM sodium ascorbate/20 μg/ml catalase) containing 0.15 μg/ml FLAG-tagged full length PHD2 expressed in and purified from baculovirus-infected Sf9 cells. After a 30 min preincubation at room temperature, the enzymatic reactions were initiated by the addition of 4 μL of substrates (final concentrations of 0.2 μM 2-oxoglutarate and 0.5 μM HIF-1α peptide biotinyl-DLDLEMLAPYIPMDDDFQL). After 2 hr at room temperature, the reactions were terminated and signals were developed by the addition of a 25 μL quench/detection mix to a final concentration of 1 mM ortho-phenanthroline, 0.1 mM EDTA, 0.5 nM anti-(His)₆ LANCE reagent (Perkin-Elmer Life Sciences), 100 nM AF647-labeled streptavidin (Invitrogen), and 2 μg/ml(His)-6-VIAL complex (S. Tan(2001) Protein Expr. Purif. 21, 224-234). The ratio of time resolved fluorescence signals at 665 and 620 nm was determined, and percent inhibition was calculated relative to an uninhibited control sample run in parallel.

Inhibition of the catalytic activity of HIF-PHD1 and HIF-PHD3 can be determined similarly.

The PHD2 binding activity expressed as IC₅₀ (nM), for the compounds of the present invention disclosed in Example 1 was found to be ≦10 nM. 

1. A compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a stereoisomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer thereof:

R¹ is selected from —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, —C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, and —C₁₋₆ alkoxy, wherein in R¹ said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and alkoxy are each optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 R⁸ substituents; R² and R³ are each independently selected from hydrogen, and —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from halo, hydroxyl, and —OC₁₋₁₀ alkyl; V, W, X, Y, and Z are each independently selected from N and CH, wherein V, W, X, Y or Z is substituted with one or two nitrogens, and at least one of V or W must be N; and R⁸ is selected from halogen, hydroxyl, —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, —C₁₋₁₀ alkenyl, —C₁₋₁₀ alkynyl, cyano, oxo, C₂₋₆-difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, and 2,2,2-trifluorethoxy.
 2. A compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is selected from —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl and —C₁₋₆ alkoxy, said alkyl, and alkoxy are each optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 R⁸ substituents.
 3. A compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is —C₁₋₆ alkoxy.
 4. A compound of claim 1 wherein R² and R³ are each independently selected from —C₁₋₁₀ alkyl optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 substituents selected from halo, hydroxyl, and —OC₁₋₁₀ alkyl.
 5. A compound of claim 4, wherein R² and R³ are each methyl.
 6. A compound of claim 1, wherein W and X are each N, and V, Y and Z are each CH.
 7. A compound of claim 1, wherein V and W are each N, and X, Y, and Z are each CH.
 8. A compound according to claim 1, selected from 4-Hydroxy-N-{1-[6-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]-1-methylethyl}-2-pyridazin-3-ylpyrimidine-5-carboxamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 9. A compound according to claim 8 selected from a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of 4-Hydroxy-N-{1-[6-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridin-3-yl]-1-methylethyl}-2-pyridazin-3-ylpyrimidine-5-carboxamide.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a stereoisomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 11. A method of enhancing endogenous production of erythropoietin in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an amount of a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a stereoisomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer thereof that is effective for enhancing endogenous production of erythropoietin.
 12. A method for the prevention or treatment of anemia in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a stereoisomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer thereof.
 13. Use of a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a stereoisomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the stereoisomer thereof, in the manufacture of medicaments for the treatment of conditions mediated by MT prolyl hydroxylase. 